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The Career Center is thrilled to welcome back students, residents and alumni as we proudly present the 12th annual Career Symposium at SUNY Optometry! This year, our program, “Framing the Future: Shaping Tomorrow’s Vision Care,” promises an engaging exploration of diverse career paths, important career development principals and the exciting emergence of AI into our dynamic field.
Embark on a journey with us for a day filled with both fun and education, surrounded by industry leaders and seasoned professionals.
Secure your spot by registering now, and join us for this event on April 7, 2024 starting at 12:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you soon!
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Registration/Lunch | 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| Introduction | 12 p.m – 12:10 p.m. |
| Plenary Session | 12:10 p.m – 1:10 p.m |
| Concurrent Session 1 | 1:15 p.m – 2:00 p.m. |
| Break/Professional Pics | 2:00 p.m – 2:30 p.m. |
| Concurrent Session 3 | 2:30 p.m – 3:15 p.m. |
| Concurrent Session 4 | 3:20 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. |
| Job and Networking Fair | 4:05 p.m – 5:30 p.m. |
Dr. Gui Albieri is the Vice President for Student Affairs at SUNY College of Optometry. Prior to this role, he was the Senior Director of Admissions and Marketing at SUNY Optometry. His research interests include the areas of wisdom and self-control as well as inclusion, branding, cross-cultural communications, sustainable communities, and social innovations in isolated communities. Dr. Albieri has written a book chapter and published in the area of sustainable tourism development. He has won awards for public speaking, including the Jeff Gibb award for the “Best Presentation of the Year” from the Organizational Development Institute.
Prior to joining SUNY Optometry, Dr. Albieri has worked as a human resource consultant for a major American chemical company in Brazil and was directly involved with HR interventions in more than 11 countries in Latin America. He is also a small business owner in Brazil. Dr. Albieri holds a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, and MS degrees in Human and Organizational Development and in Organizational Change.
Dr. Deborah Wang grew up in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon and she eventually attended the University of Oregon. There, she majored in Human Physiology at the Robert D. Clark Honors College. Afterwards, she moved to New York City to complete her graduate studies at the SUNY College of Optometry.
Upon graduating, she began working at an ophthalmology practice in Brooklyn, NY, where she played a pivotal role as the first hired doctor, contributing significantly to the establishment and growth of the practice. In 2024, she transitioned from clinical care to the role of Director of Career Development at SUNY College of Optometry.
Dr. Wang believes in the importance of being involved with her professional network, holding the position of immediate president of OSCONY (Optometric Society of the City of New York). Additionally, she has served as the co-chair of the NYSOA (New York State Optometric Assocation) Young Advocates Committee in the NYC/LI region, chair of the Continuing Education Sub-Committee and is a member of the Brand, Communications and Outreach Committee, as well as the Annual Innovation Vision Conference.
Outside of work, Dr. Wang enjoys reading and exploring the bountiful NYC food scene, writing reviews as Yelp Elite for the past 8 years.
Will Flanagan is the Head of Programs and Partnerships with the VSP Global Innovation Center, leading a variety of initiatives designed to bring outside shifts into VSP’s line of sight, including its Futurist Report series and Innovation Challenge. In addition, he leads the team’s role as ‘Front Door,’ bringing emerging vision care startups and technologies into the organization for potential exploration. Previously, Flanagan oversaw strategy and partnerships for American Inno, a network of data and digital media properties catalyzing local tech and startup ecosystems. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife and 2 children.
Dr. Laul has been clinical faculty at SUNY since 2016. Prior to SUNY, he served as clinical faculty at Johns Hopkins, School of Medicine and the Ohio State University, College of Optometry where he was the Chief of the Ocular Disease Service. He graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry, followed by a residency in Ocular Disease at the Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston/New England College of Optometry. He is an attending in the Primary Eye Care Service and the Glaucoma Service and also teaches ocular disease clinical procedures labs. He is the instructor of record of the Ophthalmic Lasers and In-Office Surgical Procedures course and The Role of the Optometrist in Surgical Care elective. He is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Glaucoma Society and is board certified by the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Laul is also the Chair of the Environmental Safety and Infection Control Committee and runs the Glaucoma Micro-Credential Program at the College.
Vito Cavallaro is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Financial Aid at the SUNY State College of Optometry . He graduated with his BA degree from Hamilton College with a concentration in government and economics. He has served students and assisted in their navigation of the Financial Aid process for over 30 years. He is focused on the importance of debt management to improve the lifestyle of graduating Optometry Students.
Dr. Jones is an Instructor of Optometric Sciences (in Ophthalmology) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She primarily works in the Glaucoma Division in addition to providing comprehensive care. Previously, Dr. Jones worked at a private retina and glaucoma specialty practice, supervised fourth year optometry students during their clinical rotations, provided ophthalmic consults in a hospital emergency department setting, and offered medical eye exams in an OD group practice.
She graduated from SUNY College of Optometry and was elected to Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honors Society.
Apart from clinical care, Dr. Jones recently presented a scientific poster at the American Academy of Optometry meeting and educated ophthalmology residents on refraction technique. She will also be lecturing on behalf of the New York State Optometric Association in April.
Ashliegh has recruited thousands of Optometrists in the last 10+ years for some of the largest companies in the industry. She currently serves as the Director of Doctor Recruitment for Eye-toEye Careers. Eye to Eye Careers hires Optometrists for clients in all 50 states. With a thought leadership perspective of the OD recruitment market, Ashliegh also serves as a consultant to help prepare students for life after graduation and securing their first job.
Originally from Canton, Michigan, Dr. Constadina Manettas graduated with a Bachelor of Science in BSN (Biopsychology, Cognition, Neuroscience) with a minor in Modern Greek from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Manettas then moved to New York City and graduated from SUNY College of Optometry with the Class of 2020. She is currently working as a solo optometrist at Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Brooklyn, and performs comprehensive eye exams twice a month at the Bowery Mission shelters in Manhattan.
Dr. Alecksandra Wianecka graduated with Honors from SUNY College of Optometry in 2002. Dr. Wianecka then completed her residency at Northport VA in primary eye care, low vision, head trauma, vision therapy and ocular disease in 2003. After her residency se was an assistant Professor at SUNY College of Optometry and worked at Stony Brook Hospital Ophthalmology Department.
In 2004, Dr. Wianecka opened her own private practice in Copiague, NY. Now she is a proud owner of 3 private practice locations in Babylon, Huntington and Valley Stream Long Island.
Dr. Wianecka is the former President of the Suffolk Cunty Optometric Society and past Trustee for the New York State Optometric Socety. She was the chair of the Young OD membership Committee and Business Partners Program in the NYSOA. In 2015 she joined Vision Source Community and is the administrator.
Dr. Wianecka specializes in primary eye care, vison therapy, low vision rehabilitation, ocular disease and specialty contact lenses, and myopia management.
Dr. Wianecka participated on mission trips to Mexico and Haiti. She also volunteers in the Special Olympics and helps with screenings with special needs kids.
Dr. Thomas A. Wong is an Associate Clinical Professor at the SUNY College of Optometry serving as both the Director of Clinical Externships and New Technologies. He is the former Chief of Adult & Pediatric Primary Eye Care at the SUNY College of Optometry’s University Eye Center, and Optometry-Chief at Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States. He is a graduate of both Georgetown University (GU) and the SUNY College of Optometry serving on the GU Board of Governors, and GU Board for Athletics. Dr. Wong writes the quarterly technology column in Optometry Times and is a chapter author in the recent textbook: Digital Eye Care and Teleophthalmology. He is the primary author for five recent optometric articles on Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Wong is a current member of the AOA Strategic Communications committee and has been the past President of the Maryland Optometric Association, the Optometric Society of DC, and the Optometric Council of the National Capital Region.
Dr. Wong is a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Haag-Streit USA, Marco, and Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Inc.
Dr. Kristin Anderson serves as the Director of Professional Education, U.S. Vision Care at Alcon. In this role, she leads the development of resources, communication strategies and tactics for eye care providers, including the peer-to-peer Speakers Alliance program. She is responsible for developing content to support the Alcon Experience Academy multi-media efforts and Alcon’s presence with optometric organizations and trade partners. She provides primary educational support for the Marketing teams and works collaboratively with the Directors of Professional and Academic Development to advance Alcon’s Vision Care presence at meetings both on and off campus. She represents Professional Education and Development as a member of various working groups. She was a member of two teams receiving ‘One Team’ Awards in 2021 and 2023 as well as being part of the iLux team nominated for a global marketing award in 2021.
Prior to joining Alcon in 2019, Dr. Anderson served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) and held the academic rank of Professor. In her role as VPIA, she contributed to the development of the college’s strategic direction, external communications and led advancement efforts that raised more than $10M dollars in direct philanthropic support for the college. Additionally, she led the development of educational programs to support continuing optometric education and the support of expanded scope of practice in many states. With nearly 19 years in academia, she served in many didactic, clinical and administrative roles before her appointment as VPIA in 2008.
Prior to joining SCO in 2000, Dr. Anderson served as the Chief of Optometry at the US Soldiers’ & Airmen’s Home in Washington DC while providing care as an associate optometrist in a suburban private practice. Dr. Anderson is a veteran of the United States Air Force where she served as the externship supervisor for the Andrews AFB Optometry clinic.
She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry and completed a hospital-based disease/rehabilitative residency at Jesse Brown & Hines VAMC in Chicago. She is a Fellow the American Academy of Optometry and served as 3D Regional Chair on the Fellowship Admittance Committee until 2022. She holds memberships in a number of professional organizations including, the American Optometric Association and the National Academies of Practice where she recognized as a Distinguished Fellow.
Reggie is an optician turned recruiter with over 10 years of experience in the optical world. She’s been with Warby Parker for more than half of that time for many reasons including the company’s commitment to doing good in the world. When not recruiting Optometrists, Reggie can be found working one on one with clients as an Emotional Intelligence coach and pursuing her yearly goal of reading 50+ books.
Allyns brings over 25 years of expertise in human resources and business management. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Temple University Fox School of Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business & HR Management from Kaplan University. Additionally, Allyns is a certified analyst for two workplace behavior platforms, holds certifications in Human Resources Studies from Cornell’s ILR School, and is a certified leadership and flow coach. She has completed courses in Leadership Strategies from Harvard Business School and Neuroscience for Business at MIT.
Driven by a passion for human capital and business strategy, Allyns assists businesses in understanding essential tactics for the development, training, education, and motivation of their employees. Currently serving as the CEO at HR Transformed and the COO at a national public relations firm, she also holds the position of a Professor of Continuing Education at Temple University. Allyns is fluent in English and Spanish, with conversational proficiency in Polish. She resides in Hudson Valley, New York, with her husband and three children. In her leisure time, she indulges in activities such as cycling, pilates, dance, cooking, and rock climbing with her children.
Dr. Jay Yoon is a contact lens specialist who has been practicing in New York City for 15 years; she has an expertise in difficult fittings including RGP and keratoconus and performs comprehensive eye exams including emergency conditions, glaucoma, with a strong emphasis on Dry Eye Disease management and pre- and post-LASIK/Cataract surgery care. In addition to being certified in Corneal Refractive Therapy, she provides myopia control care including using orthokeratology and fits and provides after care for Amniotic Membrane. She partners with FX scleral lens artists for the film and theater industry.
Dr. Yoon has built a well-respected practice focusing on long term vision and eye health with a strong network of referral specialists.
Dr. Yoon earned her BA at New York University in 2004 and graduated from State University on New York, State College of Optometry in 2009.
Dr. Ramirez is a CUNY CCNY alumna with a BS in Biochemistry. Her optometry journey began when she joined the summer CSTEP program in 2014 and continued to be an active member of the program during the time at SUNY. She is a member of the SUNY class of 2020 and currently practices medical optometry at advantage care physicians.
Dr. Christopher Lopez graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Originally from Southern California, he now calls Wisconsin home. Chris is an Owner/Partner of a 2-location practice. He has a clinical focus in ocular disease and specialty contacts. Beyond his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Lopez contributes to various optometry journals and travels nationwide to deliver COPE-approved CE lectures. He’s deeply committed to assisting eye care professionals improve their financial, educational, and clinical well-being. Chris serves as the Director of Career Services for ODs on Finance, a role that has allowed him to hold over 600 career consulting sessions with colleagues across the United States.
Dr. Alexander Martin is an optometrist dedicated to broadening access to comprehensive eye care. As the Medical Director of Lawrence and Director of Dry Eye Services at Boston Vision in Brookline, MA, he oversees a team offering specialized services. Holding a Doctor of Optometry from New England College of Optometry and degrees in Human Biology and Spanish from Michigan State University, Dr. Martin brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and cultural proficiency to his practice. He also serves as an Adjunct Faculty at NECO, mentoring future optometrists.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Martin contributes to optometric innovation as an Optometric Consultant for EyeBot, aiding in the development of cutting-edge technologies. He’s recognized in the ophthalmic industry as a New England Luminary for Lumenis and a Consulting Optometrist for Glint Pharmaceuticals.
An accomplished educator and researcher, Dr. Martin presents at conferences and publishes on topics like multilingual eye care and advanced treatment modalities. With unwavering dedication, Dr. Martin continues to shape the future of eye care, ensuring quality services for all.
David Birnbaum, CFP®, QPFC is a Financial Advisor, Alternative Investments Director, Global Sports and Entertainment Associate who currently works with The BlueStone Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. David has over 20 years of experience in finance that spans cash management & lending solutions, wealth management and insurance. David’s career has focused on managing the robust liquidity needs for many High-Net-Worth families, business owners, C-level executives and non-profit organizations. In his current role he provides bespoke wealth planning solutions to HNW clients focused on business succession planning, estate planning strategies and wealth transfer. David is a member of the Professional Advisors Committee for the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation.
Dr. MJ Bustamante earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from SUNY College of Optometry in 2023. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and has worked in industry for Microsoft Corporation as a Technical Product Manager in the Windows Engineering division. She currently serves as a Primary Care Optometrist at Warby Parker, where she pursues her passion of providing comprehensive eye care to her patients and advancing the field of Optometry.
Dr. Himakshi Bhatt is an optometrist specializing in ocular disease and surgical co-management. She currently works at an OD/MD practice in Connecticut with a focus on glaucoma, anterior segment disease, and emergency care and oversees fourth year rotating students.
Dr. Bhatt graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Biology and a minor in Anthropology. In 2021 she graduated from SUNY College of Optometry with honors from the Beta Sigma Kappa Honors Society. She then completed a residency in ocular disease at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta.
Recently, she received her Fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Bhatt is also a member of the American Optometric Association, the Connecticut Association of Optometrists, and is board certified by the American Board of Optometry.
Dr. Stephen Murray II is from Queens, NY, and earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from SUNY College of Optometry in New York. He completed his clinical training with rotations at Gentile Retina, OMNI Eye Services in Atlanta and Compton Eye Associates. He has presented posters and papers at academic meetings and delivered COPE-approved lectures.
Dr. Sophia Johnson is currently an optometrist at Advanced Eye Care & Aesthetics in Bel Air, Maryland. She graduated from SUNY College of Optometry with her Doctor of Optometry and Master’s in Vision Science. She is trained in comprehensive eye care, ocular disease, contact lens fitting, as well as pre- and post-operative management. In continuing to advance eye care, Dr. Johnson conducts research on the effect of breaks on the symptoms of DES (Digital Eye Strain) by developing the optimum timescale. This discovery will lead to developing an evidence-based, clinical recommendation improving the lifestyle and visual efficiency of millions of patients.
In her free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys working in organized optometry as an avid member of the National Optometric Association and immediate past president of the NOSA. She also enjoys mentoring young adults, traveling, watching Sci-Fi shows and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Joshua Rogers is the Campus Relations Lead for National Vision. He graduated from The Illinois College of Optometry in 2016 and started his career with National Vision in Cleveland, OH before transferring to Buffalo, NY. Dr. Rogers joined as the Regional Recruiting Director for the Northeast for two years before taking on the role of Campus Relations. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves on the Membership Development Committee for American Optometric Association.
Dr. Aaron Neufeld graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He now lives in the Bay Area, CA, where he owns two full-scope private practices, with an emphasis in specialty contact lenses and myopia management. He began his career with $160,000 in student loan debt and eliminated it (along with investing) in two years. He has a passion for both index funds and commercial real estate investing. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Neufeld co-founded ODs on Finance, the leading finance and investing platform for optometrists and optometry students. He has penned over thirty articles for optometry publications and co-authored the Amazon best-seller, The Optometrist’s Guide to Financial Freedom. Additionally, he’s an esteemed speaker and consultant on industry topics, having delivered multiple COPE-approved CE lectures on myopia management, practice management, and marketing.
Ukti Vora, is a trained Optometrist from India currently based on the USA. She serves as the Marketing Product Manager for Topcon Healthcare’s Software Solutions, driving commercialization and strategic positioning across North America. With a vast experience in telehealth solutions, she has played pivotal roles in product management and clinical affairs, fostering innovation in several eye care startups.
Many of you might also know her as the “Nerdy Optometrist”. She is the founder and host of the “Nerdy Optometrist” podcast and has built a global community of 6000+ eye care professionals with a mission to bring the eye care community closer. She is also a co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Prizmatic Visionary Solutions, which focuses on empowering optometrists towards career growth and success.
Ukti’s accolades includes the Theia Award for Industry Influence by Women in Optometry – 2023 and recognition as a Rising Star in Vision Monday – 2022. A sought-after speaker and instructor, she holds a Master’s degree in Optometry, an MBA, and prestigious fellowship by American Academy of Optometry.
Dr. Ray Corbin-Simon is passionate about the field of optometry and dedicated to promoting eye health. Dr. Corbin-Simon offers expert care to patients of all age groups at In Focus Vision Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. With a wealth of experience spanning over 29 years and several different practices including as an assistant clinical professor for SUNY Optometry, Dr. Corbin-Simon provides a comprehensive range of services, from thorough eye examinations and precise eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions to the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions such as myopia management, dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes-related eye issues. She has also held prominent roles such as Past-President of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP), and was honored with the NJSOP Optometrist of the Year Award in 2020, the President’s Award and The Theia Award for Mentorship. Presently, Dr. Corbin-Simon holds positions as the Northeast Peer Coach and Key Opinion Leader for Neurolens, along with being a Key Opinion Leader for Lumenis. She also serves as a consultant for The Power Practice. Dr. Corbin-Simon lectures across the country sharing her expertise and insight in practice management and various topics.
EwuVonka started her Optical career 20 years ago in her hometown of Columbus, MS. She is currently the Senior OD Recruiter for TX, LA, & AL. As a recruiter she specializes in optometry, and is on a mission to connect with talented individuals who are as passionate about making MyEyeDr their new home. She is currently serves as the Senior OD Talent Aquisition Partner for MyEyeDr.
Dr. Michael Hosford is a Senior Manager with Luxottica Licensed Recruiting and Professional Services. In this role, Dr. Hosford’s team is responsible for the recruiting of Optometrists for nearly 500 practice locations in the Northeast region of the US. Dr. Hosford attended Michigan State University for his undergraduate work before earning his BS and Doctorate from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University.
Dr. Hosford started his career with Luxottica as a practicing Associate Optometrist. During his time with Luxottica, Dr. Hosford has expanded his career development and training as a practicing Optometrist to include roles in Market and Regional Operations Management, co-chair of the Optometric Advisory Council and as a Doctor Recruitment Specialist with the EyeCare team.
Dr. Hosford has a great passion for networking and most enjoys helping new and experienced Optometrists in their search for the right practice. His work also includes partnering with the Luxottica brand leaders and field teams to ensure the success and access of care to patient focused doctors who deliver personalized, quality care to their patients across our many Luxottica practice locations.
